Ontario’s New Rental Rules: What Bill 60 & Bill 97 Mean for Landlords and Tenants

Learn how Ontario’s Bill 60 and Bill 97 affect landlords and tenants. Discover key rental law changes, stronger protections, and what they mean for your next lease.

Ontario’s New Rental Rules: What You Need to Know

Ontario’s rental market continues to evolve, and recent legislative changes through Bill 60 and Bill 97 have introduced important updates for landlords, tenants, and real estate professionals. These changes aim to increase housing supply, improve consumer protection, and streamline the rental process across the province.

Whether you’re renting your first apartment, managing an investment property, or considering becoming a landlord, understanding these new rules can help you avoid costly mistakes.

What Is Bill 97?

Bill 97 – Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023 introduced several housing-related reforms designed to support Ontario’s growing housing needs.

Key changes include:

• Protection for Tenants: Stronger measures discourage “bad faith” evictions and improve oversight of landlord practices.
• Faster Housing Development: The legislation supports faster approvals for residential developments to increase housing supply.
• Municipal Planning Changes: New planning tools are intended to help municipalities deliver more homes and reduce delays.
• Greater Housing Availability: By encouraging new construction, the province aims to improve rental availability over the long term.

What Is Bill 60?

Bill 60 – Your Health Act, 2023 is primarily healthcare legislation. While it does not directly amend Ontario’s residential tenancy laws, it can indirectly influence housing demand by expanding healthcare services and creating additional employment opportunities in growing communities.

Many people mistakenly believe Bill 60 introduced major rental law reforms. In reality, the legislation’s direct focus is healthcare, not landlord and tenant rights.

What This Means for Landlords

• If you own rental property, these legislative changes reinforce the importance of:
• Following the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) when ending a tenancy.
• Maintaining proper documentation for notices and lease agreements.
• Staying informed about evolving provincial housing policies.
• Working with qualified legal and real estate professionals when necessary.

What This Means for Tenants

Tenants should understand their rights before signing a lease or responding to eviction notices.

You should:

• Review your lease carefully.
• Know your rights under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.
• Keep records of communications with your landlord.
• Seek professional advice if you believe your rights have been violated.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s housing laws continue to evolve as the province works to address affordability and housing supply challenges. While Bill 97 contains meaningful housing-related reforms, Bill 60 is often misunderstood and is not a rental legislation.

Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, investor, or first-time renter, staying informed can help you make confident decisions and avoid unnecessary disputes.

If you’re buying, selling, investing, or leasing property in Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, or the Greater Toronto Area, I can help you navigate Ontario’s changing real estate landscape with confidence.

FAQs

What does Bill 97 mean for landlords in Ontario?

Bill 97 introduces housing reforms that require landlords to follow updated rules and maintain proper documentation while protecting tenant rights.

What are the new rental rules in Ontario?

Ontario’s new rental rules focus on tenant protections, housing supply, and clearer responsibilities for landlords and renters.

What rights do tenants have in Ontario?

Tenants have rights to safe housing, privacy, proper notice, and fair treatment under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act.

Does Bill 60 change rental laws in Ontario?

No. Bill 60 mainly focuses on healthcare reform and does not directly change Ontario’s rental laws.